The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Richard Henry Phillips (MCSN: 1075416), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in the Third Platoon of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 September 1950. When his platoon became pinned down by extremely heavy and accurate hostile small arms and machine gun fire while attacking a strongly-defended and well-entrenched enemy hill position, Corporal Phillips repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire to move his fire team around to the flank of an enemy machine gun position. Moving among the members of his unit in the face of fierce hostile machine gun fire, he directed and controlled their fire with such accuracy and effectiveness that the hostile machine gun emplacement was destroyed and the surrounding enemy troops were annihilated. Mortally wounded by hostile machine gun fire while continuing his daring and aggressive actions, Corporal Phillips, by his outstanding leadership and cool courage, materially aided his platoon in successfully accomplishing its mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.